| Image courtesy of destination360.com |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Fouth of July!
We're taking the day off on the Fourth of July. No moves will be going on and the office will be closed. We'll reopen for business on the 5th. We hope you all have a safe, happy, cook out and fire work filled (if that's your thing....) holiday!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Moving Out of the Ordinary Goods
Though our focus is mostly on residential moves, we occasionally get asked to handle goods that are a bit outside the normal list of bookcases, beds and TVs. We relish opportunities like this because its always neat doing something different and we love to put our skills to use in unusual ways.
We once were asked by a regular customer of ours to move the above stone statues. Each statue was so heavy (approximately 400 lbs) the movers had to use dollies and four wheelers to get them to the truck.
We also once moved a megalethoscope. Its a bit like a very large viewfiender you might have had as a kid. Photographs are inserted and, with the help of a large lens and a light source, the illusion of perspective and depth is created.
One of our favorite jobs ever was moving Peter L. Stern & Co., Inc. They are antiquarian booksellers with some truly amazing stuff. We moved there shop from one address in Boston to another. We also help them with the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair every fall.
Another regular customer of ours had us go down to Rhode Island to get a fire escape for him to put on his new house. It was heavy and bit awkward but it fit in our 26' truck!
We've moved a lot of pianos, from spinets to uprights to grands and even some organs, but we got a do a fairly rare piano one time. It was a Mason and Hamilin Butterfly grand piano. Instead of the cover hinging on one side it hinges in the middle and opens like a butterfly.
A neighbor of ours in Fresh Pond, E Ink, creates the displays for eReaders like the Kindle and the Nook, among other technology. Another neighbor right around the corner, NK Labs, creates the machines that make the screens for E Ink. We've had the pleasure of transporting those machines for NK Labs multiple times. Not only are the machines themselves interesting, but we get to crate them, which is always a unique challenge.
The Bedford Whaling Museum was getting some large display cases from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and were the lucky ones able to pick up the cases and deliver them to New Bedford. Those cases were quite large and heavy, but what a treat! The staff at both museums were very kind and helpful and it was a joy to assist both of them.
If you have a pieces or pieces that falls outside the "normal" spectrum give us a call. We've handled a vast variety of goods. If we haven't moved your exact item before chances are we've moved something like it! Give us a ring at 617.549.9880 or e-mail us at help@intelligentlabor.com to get a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!
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| Photograph is our own. |
We once were asked by a regular customer of ours to move the above stone statues. Each statue was so heavy (approximately 400 lbs) the movers had to use dollies and four wheelers to get them to the truck.
We also once moved a megalethoscope. Its a bit like a very large viewfiender you might have had as a kid. Photographs are inserted and, with the help of a large lens and a light source, the illusion of perspective and depth is created.
One of our favorite jobs ever was moving Peter L. Stern & Co., Inc. They are antiquarian booksellers with some truly amazing stuff. We moved there shop from one address in Boston to another. We also help them with the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair every fall.
Another regular customer of ours had us go down to Rhode Island to get a fire escape for him to put on his new house. It was heavy and bit awkward but it fit in our 26' truck!
We've moved a lot of pianos, from spinets to uprights to grands and even some organs, but we got a do a fairly rare piano one time. It was a Mason and Hamilin Butterfly grand piano. Instead of the cover hinging on one side it hinges in the middle and opens like a butterfly.
| This is actually a Wurlitzer, not a Mason and Hamilin. Image courtesy of pianoworld.com |
A neighbor of ours in Fresh Pond, E Ink, creates the displays for eReaders like the Kindle and the Nook, among other technology. Another neighbor right around the corner, NK Labs, creates the machines that make the screens for E Ink. We've had the pleasure of transporting those machines for NK Labs multiple times. Not only are the machines themselves interesting, but we get to crate them, which is always a unique challenge.
The Bedford Whaling Museum was getting some large display cases from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and were the lucky ones able to pick up the cases and deliver them to New Bedford. Those cases were quite large and heavy, but what a treat! The staff at both museums were very kind and helpful and it was a joy to assist both of them.
If you have a pieces or pieces that falls outside the "normal" spectrum give us a call. We've handled a vast variety of goods. If we haven't moved your exact item before chances are we've moved something like it! Give us a ring at 617.549.9880 or e-mail us at help@intelligentlabor.com to get a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Moving Outdoor Goods
Now that the warm weather is in full swing (fingers crossed), people are moving and bringing their outdoor items with them. Here are a few tips on how to prepare these goods for your move.
- Charcoal grill
Prior to the movers arrival empty out any soot and charcoal briquets inside. This saves time and helps insure a clean truck and, therefore, clean goods. The same thing goes for any chimineas, fire pits or similar items.
- Gas grill
We are not allowed to transport the gas tank. Removing it from the grill and giving a quick clean will save time.
- Lawn mower
If you have a gas powered lawn mower please make sure it is empty of all fuel. We are not allowed to take any gas on our trucks. The same thing goes for other gas powered items such as snow blowers.
- Swing sets
This really deserves its own post, but here's the quick run down. If you'll be taking care of any disassembly yourself, make sure that its taken apart and ready to go when the movers arrive. WD-40 or some other lubricant will probably be necessary as the screws holding swing sets together often rust a bit due to being outside of all the time. If you're having us take care of the disassembly we'll have all the tools on hand to take care of it.
- Compost bins
If you have a portable compost bin make sure it is empty so its ready for transport. Most compost bins, even if they're portable, will be too heavy to move with the contents inside.
If you have any questions about this or anything else moving related give us a call at 617.864.0620! We're happy to answer any questions you may have.
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| Image courtesty of chosensites.us |
- Charcoal grill
Prior to the movers arrival empty out any soot and charcoal briquets inside. This saves time and helps insure a clean truck and, therefore, clean goods. The same thing goes for any chimineas, fire pits or similar items.
- Gas grill
We are not allowed to transport the gas tank. Removing it from the grill and giving a quick clean will save time.
- Lawn mower
If you have a gas powered lawn mower please make sure it is empty of all fuel. We are not allowed to take any gas on our trucks. The same thing goes for other gas powered items such as snow blowers.
- Swing sets
This really deserves its own post, but here's the quick run down. If you'll be taking care of any disassembly yourself, make sure that its taken apart and ready to go when the movers arrive. WD-40 or some other lubricant will probably be necessary as the screws holding swing sets together often rust a bit due to being outside of all the time. If you're having us take care of the disassembly we'll have all the tools on hand to take care of it.
- Compost bins
If you have a portable compost bin make sure it is empty so its ready for transport. Most compost bins, even if they're portable, will be too heavy to move with the contents inside.
If you have any questions about this or anything else moving related give us a call at 617.864.0620! We're happy to answer any questions you may have.
Friday, May 25, 2012
First Come, First Served
We operate as a first come, first served basis. This means that whoever has received an estimate from us and gets back to us first gets to book the slot. We believe this is the fairest way to go about things. Below are the steps that it takes to book a move within Massachusetts with us:
- If we have a crew available for a move on the customer's requested day we will tell them so.
- We go over the details of the customer's move either over the phone or by e-mail. If we send a customer a questionnaire by e-mail that e-mail states that receiving the questionnaire DOES NOT mean the customer is booked.
- Once we have the information we need, we will send the customer as estimate.
- After a customer has received his estimate he MUST tell us he would like to book. We NEVER assume that a customer is happy with the estimate he has received.
- If a customer is happy with the estimate they get in touch with us to book.
- If we still have the customer's preferred day available then we will book them for that day.
- If another customer who has received an estimate for that same day has booked the last slot then we will tell the customer it is no longer available. We will give that customer alternative dates that we are available. If those days don't work we can always recommend other moving companies.
- We never cancel on a customer that is already booked to make room for another customer, whether that second customer has received an estimate or not.
First come, first served allows us to treat all customers fairly and it also allows us to run our business instead of going out of business. If we assumed every customer who received an estimate wanted to book there would be many days where our movers didn't work.
We ask that our customer take the time to read the whole questionnaire and the whole estimate. There's a lot of important information in there. Of course, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the questionnaire, booking, the estimate, anything really. So, call us at 617.864.0620 or e-mail us at help@intelligentlabor.com. We'd love to hear from you!
- If we have a crew available for a move on the customer's requested day we will tell them so.
- We go over the details of the customer's move either over the phone or by e-mail. If we send a customer a questionnaire by e-mail that e-mail states that receiving the questionnaire DOES NOT mean the customer is booked.
- Once we have the information we need, we will send the customer as estimate.
- After a customer has received his estimate he MUST tell us he would like to book. We NEVER assume that a customer is happy with the estimate he has received.
- If a customer is happy with the estimate they get in touch with us to book.
- If we still have the customer's preferred day available then we will book them for that day.
- If another customer who has received an estimate for that same day has booked the last slot then we will tell the customer it is no longer available. We will give that customer alternative dates that we are available. If those days don't work we can always recommend other moving companies.
- We never cancel on a customer that is already booked to make room for another customer, whether that second customer has received an estimate or not.
First come, first served allows us to treat all customers fairly and it also allows us to run our business instead of going out of business. If we assumed every customer who received an estimate wanted to book there would be many days where our movers didn't work.
We ask that our customer take the time to read the whole questionnaire and the whole estimate. There's a lot of important information in there. Of course, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the questionnaire, booking, the estimate, anything really. So, call us at 617.864.0620 or e-mail us at help@intelligentlabor.com. We'd love to hear from you!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Deposits
We do not take deposits for most moves. The only time we take a deposit is for an interstate move that originates outside of Massachusetts. For instance, if you live in New York City and are moving to Cambridge, we would require a deposit for your move. Otherwise, we do not take money from a customer before the move has happened.
We operate this way for a couple of reasons. One, we like to show faith in our customers. Probably 95% of the time is faith is well placed and so we continue to go about payments in the same way. There have only been a few times that we've booked a job then had the customer back out at the last minute, leaving us in a lurch. Intelligent Labor and Moving operates on the honor system. No deposit means we ask that if you have to change the date of your move or cancel it all together you give us as much notice as you are able. We don't want to punish customers for something they might not have control over. Two, it simplifies the process. No deposit means more streamlined bookkeeping, less time spent tracking deposits, sending people out to pick them up or waiting for them to show up in the mail, etc. Getting the entire amount at the end of the job also makes it easier on our crew chiefs. No deposits allows both office staff and movers to focus on other, more important tasks, like the actual picking up and putting down of your furniture or responding to e-mails and phone calls in a timely manner.
One time we followed up on a move with a customer to see how she felt it had all gone. She was very pleased with the move but wished we had required a deposit because she would have felt more secure in her booking that way. That's the only time we've ever heard that from a customer, but she can't be the only whose felt that way. We strive to make you, the customer, feel secure in your choice and booking with us. One way we do that is to send an e-mail when you book stating the date and time you are in our calendar. Then, usually two days in advance of your move we send out another confirmation with all of the details - date, time, addresses, inventory, phone numbers - so you can go over the information we have for you and make any necessary changes. We like this system better than deposits for letting a customer know we are thinking about and preparing for their move.
We operate this way for a couple of reasons. One, we like to show faith in our customers. Probably 95% of the time is faith is well placed and so we continue to go about payments in the same way. There have only been a few times that we've booked a job then had the customer back out at the last minute, leaving us in a lurch. Intelligent Labor and Moving operates on the honor system. No deposit means we ask that if you have to change the date of your move or cancel it all together you give us as much notice as you are able. We don't want to punish customers for something they might not have control over. Two, it simplifies the process. No deposit means more streamlined bookkeeping, less time spent tracking deposits, sending people out to pick them up or waiting for them to show up in the mail, etc. Getting the entire amount at the end of the job also makes it easier on our crew chiefs. No deposits allows both office staff and movers to focus on other, more important tasks, like the actual picking up and putting down of your furniture or responding to e-mails and phone calls in a timely manner.
One time we followed up on a move with a customer to see how she felt it had all gone. She was very pleased with the move but wished we had required a deposit because she would have felt more secure in her booking that way. That's the only time we've ever heard that from a customer, but she can't be the only whose felt that way. We strive to make you, the customer, feel secure in your choice and booking with us. One way we do that is to send an e-mail when you book stating the date and time you are in our calendar. Then, usually two days in advance of your move we send out another confirmation with all of the details - date, time, addresses, inventory, phone numbers - so you can go over the information we have for you and make any necessary changes. We like this system better than deposits for letting a customer know we are thinking about and preparing for their move.
| Image courtesy of apartmentwiz.com |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Graduation Schedule 2012
| image courtesy of librarydoriot.wordpress.com |
Its that time of year again. Below is a list of the graduation dates for some of the schools in the Boston area. This list is by no means comprehensive. If you are planning on moving in or around Boston on any of these dates be aware of traffic and possible parking issues. Congratulations to all of the 2012 graduates!
- May
Emerson College May 14th
Lesley University May 19th
Suffolk University May 20th
Boston University May 20th
Tufts University May 20th
Boston College May 21st
Harvard University May 24th
- June
MIT June 8th
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Parking Permits - Changes to Boston and Somerville
Both the City of Boston and the City of Somerville have recently made changes to their procedures for moving van permits.
Boston used to have two offices for moving van permits, one for the signs and one for the paperwork. Now, they have consolidated the process into one office. Getting a permit should now be more streamlined and it only requires one check instead of two. Everything else about the process remains the same.
Somerville previously put up the moving van permit signs for you. Now, however, it is the responsibility of the person or company requesting the permit. They signs must go up 48 hours in advance of the requested date(s).
If you're moving to or from Boston or Somerville keep these changes in mind when its time to request your moving vans. And, of course, if you have any questions about getting through us if you're using Intelligent Labor and Moving for your move, just let us know!
Also, as a random side note, I just found a picture of our truck on this blog. Nice shot!
Boston used to have two offices for moving van permits, one for the signs and one for the paperwork. Now, they have consolidated the process into one office. Getting a permit should now be more streamlined and it only requires one check instead of two. Everything else about the process remains the same.
Somerville previously put up the moving van permit signs for you. Now, however, it is the responsibility of the person or company requesting the permit. They signs must go up 48 hours in advance of the requested date(s).
If you're moving to or from Boston or Somerville keep these changes in mind when its time to request your moving vans. And, of course, if you have any questions about getting through us if you're using Intelligent Labor and Moving for your move, just let us know!
Also, as a random side note, I just found a picture of our truck on this blog. Nice shot!
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